Styrofoam Wars

Discussion in 'Chemistry' started by darksidZz, Jun 1, 2007.

?

Are styrofoam cups hazardous?

Poll closed Jun 16, 2007.
  1. Yes they're carcinogenic

    45.5%
  2. No they're harmless

    45.5%
  3. Undecided

    9.1%
  1. darksidZz Valued Senior Member

    Messages:
    4,924
    Complete data on what Styrofoam is http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Styrofoam

    An article on it's potential risks of usage http://www.grinningplanet.com/2005/11-01/styrofoam-cups-article.htm

    Pros & Cons of using paper or styrofoam http://www.newton.dep.anl.gov/askasci/gen99/gen99498.htm

    A picture of what we're talking about http://img.nextag.com/image/Wincup-Styrofoam-Cups-Plastic/1/000/000/185/261/18526100.jpg

    Some assorted pictures of foam http://www.indexstock.com/content/topsearches/Styrofoam_photos.asp

    Finally the all inclusive article http://www.dartcontainer.com/web/environ.nsf/pages/enff07.html

    So as a scientist and relatively educated member of the forums here would you say foam cups are dangerous to humans?

    It's a poll but feel free to discuss it if you like. Also refer to this thread for some discussion which already occured http://sciforums.com/showthread.php?t=67427
     
  2. Google AdSense Guest Advertisement



    to hide all adverts.
  3. TruthSeeker Fancy Virtual Reality Monkey Valued Senior Member

    Messages:
    15,162
    There's petroleum in the freagin' thing. :bugeye:

    'nough said!
     
  4. Google AdSense Guest Advertisement



    to hide all adverts.
  5. RubiksMaster Real eyes realize real lies Registered Senior Member

    Messages:
    1,646
    I think they have the potential to be harmful, but in normal, everyday usage, there's no danger.
     
  6. Google AdSense Guest Advertisement



    to hide all adverts.
  7. madanthonywayne Morning in America Registered Senior Member

    Messages:
    12,461
    I'll never forget the time I was painting a model car as a child and was using gasoline as paint thinner. I poured the gas into a styrofoam cup and sat it next to my model. As I started painting, I suddenly noted that my cup had disapeared and gasoline was all over the place!
     
  8. draqon Banned Banned

    Messages:
    35,006
    they have a decay of 0.025% toxin such as benzene!!!!...and thats in cold water.
     
  9. Facial Valued Senior Member

    Messages:
    2,225
    You can smell the aromatic molecules given off when pulling a piece of polystyrene packaging, such as the plastic wrapped around the top of Snapple bottles, until it crazes.
     
  10. Medicine*Woman Jesus: Mythstory--Not History! Valued Senior Member

    Messages:
    8,346
    *************
    M*W: I've read where any petroleum product from Saran Wrap to styrofoam plates, cups, Rubbermaid, or any plastic container become toxic once heated in the microwave. Same goes for artificial sweetners. However, regular use of styrofoam cups is sort of like ingesting it. The molecules are certain to get into one's mouth and system. I still use them rarely, but I never buy them. So if you have styrofoam cups at work to pour your coffee into, everyday, that would be a reason to bring your own mug.
     
  11. Read-Only Valued Senior Member

    Messages:
    10,296
    And like a rat on your sinking ship, you ran away from that thread without ever proving a SINGLE one of your claims!!!!!!

    And we're STILL waiting for you to 'fess up about you lack of understanding about what the kidneys and liver do about toxins in your body - which they are eliminating and which you claim are accumulating! (Huge difference there!)

    Also about the conspiracy of the styrofoam industry and other things. You've never backed up anything you said.

    Back to the topic of this thread: it's harmless as long as it's used properly. And so is water. Heat the stuff to the melting point (which is stupid to do anyway) and it's quite different. By the same token, water becomes seriously dangerous if you try to breathe it.

    And by the way, dragon, you never owned up to your silly mistake about confusing Arecibo with SETI either. :bugeye: Not man enough to handle your errors, eh?
     
  12. darksidZz Valued Senior Member

    Messages:
    4,924
    I've got a foam cup right now with coffee in it

    Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image!

     

Share This Page